Why is Iranian-American journalist for the Washington Post, Jason Rezaian still being held in prison in Iran (he was arrested July 22, 2014), without access to an attorney, and without access to proper medical care, and without a right to post bail? He doesn't know. His wife and family don’t know. We don’t know.
Why was Iranian-American journalist Jason Rezaian, who reports for the Washington Post, arrested by Islamic Republic agents? He doesn’t know. His wife and family do not know. We don’t know.
Why is he still being held (he was arrested July 22, 2014), without access to an attorney, and without access to proper medical care, and without a right to post bail? He doesn’t know. His wife and family don’t know. We don’t know.
Why did it take the Islamic Republic 137 days to “charge” him with his “crimes?” And more importantly, why have his charges still been kept as a secret of the court? He doesn’t know. His wife and family don’t know. We don’t know.
While this is far from the first time an Iranian journalist has been arrested by the Regime, and it is certainly not the first time an Iranian-American has been arrested and imprisoned, the question here really is, ‘why?’ Usually they are charged with the generic “threat to national security” or “insulting Islam and the Prophet” or “espionage”—these charges all baseless, but certainly a rite of passage.
So this is new—a break from the routine—this is unknown. This is scary—an Iranian American held for 137 days without charge, and without access to a lawyer, and then finally charged, and we still don’t know with what. Is this the Regime telling us ‘Be Afraid?’ I think so.
In addition to Rezaian’s family, both in Iran and in the US, his colleagues at the Washington Post, and former colleagues from different places have spoken out and pleaded with the Regime to release him—or at least afford him proper human rights, now Secretary of State John Kerry has chimed in, as well. In a statement, he said, “Jason poses no threat to the Iranian government or to Iran’s national security. We call on the Iranian government to drop any and all charges against Jason and release him immediately so that he can be reunited with his family.”
But what is so amazing about Iranians, something I admire greatly, is that fear often overcome—not submitted to. The Regime might have new tactics, but the Iranian people have the same, resilient strength—based in their right to live freely, practice their different array of faiths (or lack thereof) freely, and to think, act, and speak freely—on all topics. They might be trying this scare tactic—but I hardly doubt Iran’s educated, modern up-coming generation is going to budge.
They’ve got their eyes on the prize—freedom from dictatorship. And they won’t let the Islamic Regime use Jason Rezaian as their political bargaining chip. Not at home, and not with the West. They’ve had enough of the Regime’s game… and they’re likely planning their next move. And this time, those of us in the West, who care, should support them.